More seniors are spending time online than ever before. Technology can benefit seniors in so many ways it can help them connect with loved ones, get essential goods and services without leaving their home, and provides opportunities to stay in contact with their communities.Like all powerful tools, the internet and mobile technologies come with some risks. These risks can be managed if users follow some basic rules: Here are five ways that seniors can stay safe online:Security software There are a variety of anti-virus and anti-spyware software options that can help protect a senior online. Ensuring the program is installed properly is critical and running updates on a regular basis ensures that new threats are mitigated.Limit access to accounts Scammers often try to steal the personal and financial information that senior's access online. To keep this data secure, users should enable two-factor authentication where it is offered and never send personal information to those they don't know. Most importantly, users need to be mindful about creating smart, strong p@$$w0rdz.Evaluate emails Email is one of the primary tools that people use to steal information from older people online. Remember that financial institutions will never ask for account information through email, and sending account numbers,Shop online and access social media safely One common way that information can be stolen online is through fake shopping sites. Shopping trusted vendors is helpful and there are often online reviews for merchants that will alert shoppers to potential scams. Seniors should also remember to use a credit card instead of a debit card when possible and monitor accounts regularly for fraudulent activity.Ask for help Seniors should not be afraid to reach out to their trusted loved ones or friends if they feel uncomfortable online or need help navigating security measures. For those concerned about the seniors in their life, they can help educate them about known scams and tactics for staying vigilant and can help with software updates.Editor's Note: This article was written by Comfort Keepers and submitted by Nathan Miller with Comfort Keepers Centennial. Nathan may be reached by email at: nathanmiller@comfortkeepers.com or by phone: 303-722-3242.

I have spent many years assisting caregivers who provide Alzheimer's care in Denver just like you. Caregivers frequently ask for the right way to respond to the challenges they encounter. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula, there are tried and true proven techniques to help you. Utilize these five techniques that can empower you and make your situation more manageable:1. Take Time and Just BeSpend time with no pressure, no agenda, no tasks, no judgment and no expectations. Allow the person to be who they are now. Keep in mind you can only tell the person with dementia what they can handle, and they can handle less and less.2. Don't Ask Questions or Give Too Much InformationQuestions can be distressing at the best of times and can put pressure on people. Questions simply become too much information for the person with dementia to process. KEEP IT SIMPLE!3. Remain Calm, Confident, Patient and Present in the MomentAlthough people with dementia may seem distant or confused at times, their emotions and feelings remain. Hold their hand, give them a hug. Show them compassion and care. Think of these three lines of my favorite Maya Angelou's poem:People will forget what you said,People will forget what you did,But they will never forget how you made them feel.4. Ask for Help from Family and Care Professionals.Caregivers often feel obligated to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the person they are caring for. Regular family meetings and good communication can help clear the air before things reach a breaking point. If you are the primary caregiver, be sure you remember to take care of yourself. It is essential to everyone's well-being that you remain in good health and can balance your care responsibilities with your own happiness.5. Educate YourselfThe more you understand about the various causes of the dementia symptoms, the more you'll see that your loved ones behaviors and changes are par for the course. Keep in mind it takes a village to care for someone presenting dementia symptoms. You must gather your villagers (family members, friends, trained professionals, community resources) in order to successfully make it across the finish line in the dementia care marathon.By Laura Wayman, The Dementia Whisperer; Director of Dementia Education Services for Comfort Keepers (South Metro Denver); Author; A Loving Approach to Dementia Care, Publisher; Johns Hopkins University Press

At the time of Marys terminal cancer diagnosis, she was living in an assisted living facility in Texas. Marys daughter decided to bring Mary back home to the Metro area, but they knew they would need help keeping her comfortable at home. Comfort Keepers was highly recommended through her Long Term Care Insurance, so she decided to give us a try. The family used us a few evenings a week to help with cooking and household tasks that Mary just couldnt do any more. Over the months, Mary got weaker. Marys family decided to have Comfort Keepers come on weekend mornings as well so that Mary could have her hair washed. Marys Comfort Keeper caregiver quickly felt like a member of the family.As Marys health deteriorated, Comfort Keepers continued providing care that not only met her needs, but also helped elevate her spirit. She was a spirited woman, after all She loved laughing and telling stories about her parents and family. She loved her coffee hot and strong. She loved the Broncos. The Comfort Keepers team made sure she never missed watching the Broncos play on TV. That was the only time the TV was turned on.Eventually, her care needed a more skilled eye and her caregiving team was replaced with a team of our most skilled CNAs and Nurses. During each care conference with hospice and the family, we were reminded that Marys only wish was to stay home.One night, Mary peacefully took her last breath. In her bed, in her home with her CNA at her bedside. Comfort Keepers fulfilled our promise to Mary and her family. Our caregivers and CNAs helped to create happy memories during such a difficult time. She impacted our team with her grace and beautiful spirit. We are honored to have been a part of her family.Editors Note; This article was written by Marci Miller and submitted by Nathan Miller with Comfort Keepers South Denver. Nathan may be reached by email at: nathanmiller@comfortkeepers.com or by phone: (303)-722-3242.To learn more click:https://www.seniorsbluebook.com/home-health-hospice/comfort-keepers-denver-centennial-co-2